GlossyBox: Back To Basics: January 2014

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Just for anyone that is new to GlossyBox (GB) – it’s a monthly subscription to a beauty box where you receive a random selection of 5 beauty related products.

“Each month, we deliver a diverse selection of 5 beauty treats that include niche, high-end and emerging brands. Our global experts curate the latest trends and products to bring you reusable and stylish boxes full of beauty essentials, that will leave you looking and feeling great, time after time.”

The subscription in the UK is £10 plus £2.95 P&P. There are other subscription levels available. For more information check out the GlossyBox Website.

Earlier this month, GB announced that their boxes would be receiving a “glossy makeover”. After getting my box today, I can say there is are a few subtle changes to the box and packaging itself. The boxes are shiner - appearing to look ‘glosser’ and feel smoother to hold (…actually living up to its name). Inside, the ribbon that ties it all together is now embossed with the GB corporate identity giving it a more official look. Now, I am disappointment that they changed their ribbon but it’s for shellfish reasons. I like saving the ribbon for wrapping presents with. In addition to the changes, the box is also slightly longer in length.

It’s not often that I complain about the GB Boxes. I like to keep an open mind about the products I received – after all - as the quote from GB suggests, I should know exactly what my money is paying for. Right?

This month’s GB surprised me. Before I received my box, I hopped over to their Facebook page to see some spoilers. Although I do like the elements of their ‘glossy makeover”, I like many others on Facebook are less than enthusiastic about the contents. The theme of the GB is “Back to basics”. But it’s like they have taken every sense of the phrase to the dullest ends of life. Rather than being motivating, it’s boring and uninspiring to say the least.

Contents are as follows:

Yu-Be Moistrurising Skin Cream

“Japan's no.1 selling vitamin-enriched skincare cream is here, with its unique super-moisturising glycerine formula. Perfect for dry areas like lips, elbows, knees and cuticles, its non-greasy blend of antioxidants and camphor calm and protect skin, leaving it soothed, hydrated and beautifully soft.” – CultBeauty.com

I haven’t tried this stuff yet but after reading some reviews online – it appears to have some usefulness to it. It’s a multi-use cult cream from Japan marketed to revamp skin. If you have use this before – leave a comment below letting me know what you think.

t’s slightly on the expensive side: £13.50 for a 33g tube. Some may argue that other moisturising products on the market would do the same job but cheaper! Click here for more info

Balance Me: Super Toning Body Wash

“An invigorating, tone-enhancing, naturally foaming body wash with our signature “super”, spa-inspired aromatic blend of juniper, bergamot, geranium and lavender essential oils.”- balanceme.co.uk

I have tried and tested a number of products from balanceme and I do like their range of products. But, similar with their products and would of preferred something different .On the whole, I like the smell. It can be used as a shower gel or bath soak. But it’s something new to me.

It’s £10.25 for 260ml

Anatomicals: Puffy The Eye Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches

“Puffy the eye bag slayer under eye patches by Anatomicals”

o “Enriched with moisturising agents and collagen”

o “Helps to reduce dark circles and signs of ageing”

o “Eliminates puffiness”

Anatomicals is another brand that isn’t new to me. I’ve used several of their products now and used them before I subscribed to GB. That side, I like anything to gives me the opportunity to reduce the under-eye baggage. They are cooling and soothing. These would be great after a long day.

You can get 3 pairs for £6 from ASOS. com

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Slated Tweezers

Probably the product that I am most disappointed about. These tweezers are OK – but do not compare the HD Brows set that received in a GB earlier last year. I’ll probably use them for applying false eye lashes but nothing more. I am not impressed with the quality, and more of the print work was smudged. The company sell lots of lovely looking items and it appeals to individuals more who love their chic'ness.

Montagne Jeunesse Facemasks x2

Passion Peel Off:

“Gently peel away dead skin with our amazing Passion Peel Off deep cleansing masque. Our Pomegranate and Passion Flower formula cleans, purifies and protects leaving your skin feeling fresh and radiant.”

- Montagnejeuesse.com

Blemish Mud

“Enliven your skin and help combat unsightly blemishes with our Aloe Vera and Willow Blemish Mud. Our special blend of nature’s remedies naturally targets your problem areas for a clear and clean complexion.”

- Montagnejeunesse.com

I have used Montagne Jeunesse facemasks before and have loved them. And again, like some of the other products received in this month’s GB – I have used them already!! They’re great if you need a pick me up or lift. They smell great and feel good afterwards. Excellent bargain of £1 per facemask.

Final Note:

Overall - not really impressed with the products in this months GB. I got where they were going with the full 'back to basis' theme but it does lack imagination and thorough consideration for its consumers. The only product I am excited to try is the Anatomical: Puffy The Eye Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches. The feedback from Facebook should prompt some thought as to where they went wrong with this. I only hope that next months box is more fruitful!!!

Thanks for reading!

Leave a Comment 2014, anatomicals, balanceMe, bbloggers, body wash, Face Masks, glossybox, January, Moisturiser, Montagne Jeunesse, product review, The Vintage Company, Tweezers, Yu Be

Jargon Busting Beauty Ingredients #1 Skincare

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Skincare based products are made from a mixture of natural based sources. These are all mixed together to provide the consumer with the 'holy grail' or the 'bestest' products on the market. On your search for a skincare product that suits your needs, some might find it rather overwhelming when the faced with big long words or terms that mean absolutely nothing to you.

There are a wide range of ingredients in skincare simply starting with water. Certain ingredients take on different roles such as moisturising, cleansing and absorbing oils.

Over the years, I have searched for products that target skin prone to breakouts/ or acne based. Here's a list of common ingredients I've come across:

Alpha -Hydroxy Acid (AHA's)
Pros:
In simple terms, these are active ingredients which come from fruit, milk, and sugar cane acids. Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid and Lactic Acid are the most common types of AHA's to look out for when searching for skincare. Those who have mild/ severe acne would benefit from these, as well as people who are prone to outbreaks. It helps to exfoliate the top layers of skin to promote moisture restoration. AHA's also widely used in anti - aging products but are recommended for spot fighting.

Cons:
If over used, AHA's can irritate skin leading to drying out the skin and further breakouts. Many brands can control the pH level in their products and can only advice on their usage. So if it says only use once a week - follow that instruction. In addition, AHA's can increase sun sensitively so using a good moisturiser with SPH will help

Aqua
I am hoping that everyone knows what aqua is. But just in case - it's water. The quality of aqua is an extremely important ingredient. It should be purified to the highest standard and goes through stringent process to ensure that all things living in the water, such as microorganisms, are killed in order to help other ingredients do their job.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Pros:
This is an antibacterial agent that kills germs that are responsible for developing breakouts. It is highly used as a chemical for acne products in skincare. It is a proven to be super effective for people can suffer from mid - severe breakouts and acne. It is available is different doses on prescription and over the counter.

Cons:
It can be drying and/ or irritating on the skin. A high dose can dry out the skin leading to more discomfort and skin problems. Some people are more sensitive to benzoyl peroxide and have different tolerance levels depending on the individual. When checking out product ingredients 2.5% is a good standard. Everything above that should be prescribed from your GP.

Hyaluronic Acid
Pros:
This is a natural substance in the body that regulates cell renewal, and maintains moisture. In skincare products, it helps to create a moisture barrier on the skin. It's excellent for people are suffer with dry skin. Cosmetically, it can be injected into skin for anti aging results.

Cons:
When used topically, for example in creams, the molecule is too large and will not penetrate the outer layers of skin to fill in wrinkles .

Retinol
Pros:
This is an active form of vitamin A. It is a power exfolliant that sheds dead skin to promote young, healthier skin cells. The increase the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. This helps the skin to be come supple an smooth. Retinols improve firmness of the skin, treat acne and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Cons:
Some people suffering from skin conditions such as extreme dry skin and rosacea may be worsened if they use retinol. It can cause redness and irritation

Salicylic Acid
Pros:
A common ingredient that scares some people purely for it's name. Its a chemical used in 'spot fighting' treatments. It is a form of Beta Hydroxy Acid that is used as an exfolliant. Salicylic Acid is said to dissolve dead skin cells that clog pores, it reduces oiliness and the risk of further breakouts. Different strengths are used cosmetically in chemical peels.

Cons:
When high concentrations of salicylic acid are applied to a large area of the skin for a long period time. This can lead to damaged skin cells. Good news is, over the counter products to treat spots are low in salicylic acid so should not cause much trouble. The level of salicylic acid is designed to clear your skin and are tolerated well.

Sulfur
Pros:
Great at targeting spots individually as it's less abrasive used all over the face. Products with Sulfur kill certain types of bacteria on the skin improving common skin aliments such as acne, seborrhoea and psoriasis. Used commonly in soaps, shampoo's and topical acne treatments Sulfur helps reduce skin oiliness, and prevents pore blockages from forming.

Cons:
Drying, peeling, redness, burning, and skin irritation are the most common side effects. They tend to be worse when you first begin treatment. You may want to start slowly, and build up to the recommended dose.

Witch Hazel
A botanical ingredient that helps remove excess surface skin oils. It comes from a yellow plant. The leaves, bark and twigs are used to make medicine. This is used in skin care products with anti inflammatory properties. It's safe for most people to use.

There are plenty much that I could mention but these are just a few. Let me know what you think. Do you worry about the products you use?

Leave a Comment AHA's, bbloggers, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, ingredients, Retinol, Salicylic Acid, skincare, Sulfur, Witch Hazel

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette Review

22:19

Another Naked palette has been launched by Urban Decay just before Christmas. To be honest, I wondered how many other ways they could make natural shades look beautiful and attractive. I got my first glimpse online. Before I had seen what it looked like, I told myself not to purchase, because it’s just the same as the other two. But, I was so wrong, and bought another palette after having some swatches done by the lady on the counter...

The shades in the Naked palette are warm, golden and neutral tones whilst the Naked 2 palette contains cool tones with hues of purple and pale tones. The Naked 3 palette has a collection of rose gold tones which are appropriate for my green eyes.

The left side of the palette, featuring Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit, Buzz and Trick...

Here's a mini description on each shade (from L to R):

Strange: Matte - Satin finish. Better used as a base colour and great for highlighting the brow area.
Dust: Shimmer/ metallic finish. I really like this shade of pink. It's a great neutral to start with. It also has a slightly glittery effect.
Burnout: Satin Finish. Great for anyone with pale/ medium toned skin to use as another base colour. It a very light peach colour.
Limit: Matte finish. Personally, this is probably my favourite in the whole palette. The shade is a light rose and highly pigmented. I can see me hitting the pan on this one before the rest.
Buzz: Shimmer/ Metallic Finish. In contrast to Limit, this is my least favourite. I like the rosy qualities to the shade but I find that it does not blend well on my eyelids. Very similar to Dust.
Trick: Shimmer/ Metallic Finish. This is has a rich gold/ coppery tone that will make the shade appropriate for the festive season or in the height of summer.

...here's the right side of the palette, featuring Nooner, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside and Blackheart

..mini descriptions continued (from L to R).

Nooner: Matte Finish. This is a deeper, more intense pink of the collection with pigments of brown blended together. This shade would be ideal for shading and creating definition on the outer corner of the eyes. Shade after this one tend to be more on the browner end.
Liar: Shimmer/ Metallic Finish. I would say this is like medium mauve shade. Great for blending shades in this palette to create day to night looks. This is not as shimmer as the lighter shades but definitely will be easier to blend.
Factory: Shimmer/ Satin Finish. I found this shade useful from blending with the outer corners of the eyes, great as a eye liner on top lashes and the bottom lashes near the water line.
Mugshot: Shimmer/ Metallic Finish. Again, great for shading and adding definition!
Darkside: Matte/ Satin Finish. This is the deepest shade in the palette. It's a good shade to putting the final touches to a smoky eye effect.

The packaging is similar to the Naked 2 palette. All 12 shades are presented in a solid tin like case which is preferably for me. The extra touch is in the fabric like ruched detailed on the tin itself. The maintenance of this palette is good. It is easier to clean the excess eye shadows and mirror, and clicks together to close. I prefer this packaging to the first one which was velvet. And, not forgetting, it comes with a large mirror and a dual eye brush that blends the shadows beautifully.

In addition, there’s a ‘weeks’ worth’ of samples of each eye shadow primers in the Urban Decay collection.

Four Primer Samples available in: Original, Eden, Sin and Anti - Aging.

But for now, just enjoy the pictures and making the decision of whether to buy or not. This palette would flatter most skin tones. I have very pinks undertones (very typical pale British skin) with green eyes.

Photo's with look ideas to follow soon! I am going to have a good play around with the shades first!

So, is it worth buying another Naked palette (especially if you already own Naked and Naked 2). I think it's down to each individuals subjective reasoning. I'm a massive fan on nude palettes. There are enough different shades that work well together in this palette that will provide a new look that differs from the other 2 palettes. But, I do keep in mind that these palettes are investments items for some. Available in the UK at £37 from Debenhams.

Please leave a comment letting me know what you think about it? Have you head positive/ negative things about the palette?

Thanks for reading!

Leave a Comment bblogger, bbloggers, make up. eyeshadows, Naked 3 Palette, Natural, Nude, pink, product review, rose gold., swatches, Urban Decay

My Make Up Favourites of 2013

21:13

I've come across some many different beauty products this year. It's been a good discovery. I'm starting with my make up favourites as this is the type of product where I have found an array of products that have suited me well.

Here is a list of my favourite make up items from 2013 (with links):

Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: This foundation works really well with my skin type and it stays but on my face all day, with or without a primer. http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/1231/Products/Face/Foundation/Studio-Fix-Fluid-SPF-15/index.tmpl
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: This has been and will continue to be an excellent palette that I have enjoyed using. I've hit the pan on most of the shades in the selection so I've had a good use from it. http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123932010699_-1
Eylure Pre-glued Ready to Wear Eye Lashes: A recently new discovery thanks to Glossy box for sending me a sample acouple of months back. http://www.eylure.com/application-false-eyelashes/pre-glued/pre-glued-070.html
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: There are loads of review on the interwebs about this amazing stuff. I usually wear this more on nights out or usually when I know I'm going to have a long day. Helps eye makeup to stay on all day or night. http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Urban+Decay+Eyeshadow+Primer+Potion+-Original/153359865,default,pd.html
L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim in Black: The best eyeliner I have come across in ages. I prefer using this to the Blockbuster eyeliner addition that came out this summer. It's excellent to use if you get ready in a rush. It has a super thin application brush/ tip so you can create so many different looks with this. http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-Super-Liner-Perfect-Slim-Intense-Black
Elizabeth Arden Shimmer Power Compact: I have found this to be a great bronzer/ highlighter for all year round. It is very pigmented with a good amount of shimmer, without it looking cakey on the skin. http://learnmore.elizabetharden.com/makeup/holiday.php t:b
L'Oreal Le Blush in Old Rose/ Vieux Rose: This is a gorgeous light pink (on pale skin tones) and its enough to wear during the day or night. It gives you a healthy, very natural looking glow. I have come back to this time and time again. http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-True-Match-Blush
Real Techniques Stippling Brush for Foundation: The Stippling Brush has been another new discovery this year. In the past, I have stuck to using a flat foundation brush but I was never happy with the results. This works brilliantly with the MAC foundations. It buffs and blends perfectly. http://www.feelunique.com/p/Real-Techniques-Stippling-Brush
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer: Hands down, this is the best concealer I have ever purchased. And, with a great price tag - it's a bloody good bargain! Covers almost everything from dark circles and spots to hyper pigmentation and imperfections.
http://www.superdrug.com/collection-2000/collection-2000-lasting-perfection-concealer-4g-light-2/invt/592005
Maybelline Rocket Express Mascara (in waterproof): I have been using this mascara for months and I will love it. I did a review on the Maybelline Volume Express - click here! : http://www.maybelline.co.uk/products/150/eyes/mascara/volum-express-the-rocket-mascara/black/medium-345?shadeId=982
Maybelline Mastershape Brow Pencil: A great brow pencil for when I'm getting ready on a morning. It's a no fuss fix when my brows become a bit sparse. I purchased this in a slow brown and stays put all day. http://www.superdrug.com/maybelline/maybelline-master-brow-soft-brown/invt/498457
Monu First Defense Illuminating Primer (a sample size in photo): I really could and should probably write an extended review on this bad boy. At first, I was slightly disappointed when I recieved this in one of my Glossyboxes. But after I gave it a try, I was very surprised on how much I loved it. http://www.feelunique.com/p/Monu-Professional-Skincare-Illuminating-Primer-SPF15-50ml
L'Oreal Lumi Magique Touch of Light Highlighting Pen: This is an easy to use highlighting pen that has often been mistaking for a concealer. I did a full review on the product - click here! This review was also one of my biggest hits on this blog. http://www.superdrug.com/loreal/loreal-lumi-magique-touch-of-light-highlighting-pen/invt/382551/
Maybelline Colour Sensational in the Shade 175 Pink Punch: I absolutely love this colour. This lipsticks for a creamy feel on the lips and last for a good couple of hours. This is definetly one of my favourite shades and will purchase more this year. http://www.maybelline.co.uk/products/28/lips/lip-color/color-sensational-lipsticks/pink-punch/175?shadeId=657&view=shades&position=600
Pamlers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm: I freaking love this lip balm. It's amazing stuff and can be found in most drug stores. A did a little review - click here! http://www.superdrug.com/hydrated-skin/palmers-cocoa-butter-lip-balm/invt/379131&bklist=

Hope you like some of my favourite products from 2013. Obviously, I am going to continue to use these into 2014 but it's good to outline what I have enjoying using. Leave a comment below letting me know what you think!

My 5 Beauty Resolutions for 2014

15:37

The New Year has arrived! Happy New Year (again) and thank you for taking some time to look at this post. Every year I set myself the same resolutions and stick to them for about, what, 2 weeks max before I am back to old habits. I break them for one reason or another, usually I lose my will power within a couple of days and think...bugger!

I have decided to make some achievable resolutions. Something which I have considered to be some SMART targets (...can you tell I work in education). These are mostly beauty related, with no. 5 being more of a personal target that I have set myself this year.

So, do you like my resolutions? I will keep you updated on my blog to let you know how I have done. What resolutions/ goals have you set yourself this year? Is there anything you would like to gain? Leave a comment below letting me know!